The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time for family, joy, and celebration, it’s also prime time for criminals. Crowded stores, distracted shoppers, and late-night errands create the perfect conditions for thieves and opportunists to strike. While holiday safety precautions do apply to men, this is more so a female focused blog. Please forward this to all your female friends and family members but guys, take a read because it applies to you as well.

Keep reading if you want to enjoy the season and protect what’s yours, you need to stay vigilant and smart.

Be a Hard Target When Shopping

Criminals love distracted people. Don’t give them an opening. Stay aware of your surroundings and follow these tips:

• Shop in pairs or groups. There’s strength in numbers, and criminals are less likely to target you if you’re not alone. While this might not be the reality for many, there is strength in numbers.

• Keep your phone in your pocket. Scrolling or texting makes you an easy mark. Stay alert and keep your eyes up.

• Park smart. Choose well-lit areas close to entrances and avoid parking near large vans or trucks where someone could hide.

• Carry only what you need. Leave unnecessary cards and large amounts of cash at home.

Beware of “Slider Crimes”

Criminals are getting crafty. One of the newer tactics is called a "slider crime." Here’s what sliders look for:

• You pull into a gas station or parking lot

• While you’re sitting in your car or distracted getting out, a thief slides up, opens your door, and grabs your purse, wallet, or shopping bags.

How to avoid it:

• Lock your doors as soon as you get in or out of the car.

• Don’t leave valuables on the passenger seat where they’re easy to grab. Instead you can place shopping bags in the trunk and your purse or wallet under your seat

• Stay alert when exiting or entering your car, especially in busy areas.

ATM Safety

The holidays mean more cash withdrawals, which means ATMs become hotspots for criminals. Here are tips on how to be more safe:

• Use indoor ATMs whenever possible, especially those in well-lit and busy areas like banks or stores.

• Be quick and discreet. Know how much you need and get in and out fast. Don’t stand around counting your cash.

• Shield your PIN. Always cover the keypad when entering your code, even if no one’s behind you.

• Check your surroundings. If something feels off, trust your gut and find another ATM.

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Stay Alert in Crowds

Pickpockets thrive in busy environments. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the mall or a holiday market, follow these rules:

• Keep your valuables close. Use a crossbody bag or keep your wallet in your front pocket.

• Stay aware. If someone bumps into you or gets too close, check your belongings immediately.

• Don’t overload yourself. Carrying too many bags makes you a slow-moving, distracted target.

The Bottom Line

Trust your instincts; if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Situational awareness is your first line of defense. If you notice someone watching you, following you, or acting suspiciously, don’t hesitate to leave the area, alert the authorities and/or be ready to defend yourself.  The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, but it’s not smart to let your guard down. Criminals thrive on chaos and distraction, but with a little vigilance and common sense, you can keep yourself, your family, and your belongings safe. Be smart, stay alert, and never underestimate the importance of protecting what’s yours.

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About The Author

Hank Hayes is a Combat Arts Hall of Famer and inventor of the No Lie Blade. He is the founder and CEO of both Intuitive Self Protection and NLB Tactical and creator of the ISP/NLB viscous fighting system. Since 1998, he has trained well over 30,000 Military and Law Enforcement personnel via Government contract mainly at the elite special teams level and continues to train both civilians and MIL/LE how to come home safe.